Exclusive Coachella Interview: Yoshiki

Iconic Japanese rockers, X Japan, have garnered worldwide attention through elaborate visuals and ethereal music that has translated into over 30 million albums, singles and videos sold. I had the honor of chatting with prestigious X Japan leader and human being, Yoshiki, at Coachella (weekend two) to discuss the upcoming release of X Japan’s first full-length album release in 20 years, the depth behind his artistic vision, his gratitude for the band’s fans, tattoos and more.

First and foremost, rumor has it that you are in preparation to release your first X Japan album in 20 years. Give us any insight into the creative direction that you are taking for this release.

Actually to be exact, it has been 22 years since we’ve released an album. Throughout that time, it felt as though we went on a break for almost ten years as well. We broke up and reunited about ten years ago. We have been recording music over the past ten years which will be incorporated into the new release.

Do you feel as though the life experiences that you have encountered while in the midst of such a stretch of time have served as inspiration that will be translated into your new music?

Yes, I think so. As a band, we went through so many ups and downs. Rather than just being sad and being within a state of pain, I wanted to translate the emotion that I was encountering into the music.

Yes, that is what captivates a listener’s spirit and heart. There is so much depth, detail and precision within your artistic delivery. The energy and time that you put within your set is felt. Tell us about some of the experiences that you have encountered that have led your inner world to come outward.

When I compose music, it is like I am in another universe. I use paper and pen. I pretty much complete every single instrument: drums, vocals, orchestra. It is during this time and within this space that I am living within a thoughtless space.

If I am composing music with only the piano, it is very limited. Anyone can create an imaginary world. Anyone can do anything. This is the world that I am living within while I am composing music.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Coachella

Beautiful. I perceive this place to be one of tranquility and fluidity. The story behind your experiences that have led you to bring Yoshiki Foundation America to life is powerful. Tell us about what the foundation means to you and some of the touching experiences you have encountered thus far.

Yes, thank you. I lost my father when I was 10-years-old. Actually, my Father took his own life. It was not an easy experience for me. It is because of music that I somehow made it through.

As Japan was encountering the devastating Kobe earthquake in the southern part of Hyōgo, a lot had been demolished, yet I had heard that a lot of schools had been demolished as well. Our band donated 20 pianos to all of those schools. I invited the students that had attended the schools that had been demolished to our concert. As the children were thanking me for what we had done, it made me feel great. Therefore, I made the decision to create my own foundation in 2010. The mission of my foundation, Yoshiki Foundation America, is to try to support children who have gone through an unfortunate experience or cause. The following year, we encountered a tsunami earthquake in Japan on March 11th, 2011: I decided to support that as well. Ever since, I have been supporting music education and disaster relief here and there.

I am kind of doing it in a selfish way. I recognize that when I support people or save people’s lives, that kind of experience and feeling is saving me.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Coachella

Yes. That is fulfilling far beyond the surface. I can only imagine how great that it feels to perform for others and derive the energy of massive crowds, yet the feeling that I perceive comes with aiding in someone’s one precious life is priceless. That is so meaningful.

There are times in which I ask myself why I exist in this world. There are times in which I ask myself what the meaning of life is. It is when I am helping others that I know that this life and existing is worth it. Helping people truly helps me.

That’s beautiful. Let’s talk tattoos. Rumor has it that you’re a blank canvas, yet have you ever thought about getting a piece tattooed?

Yes, that is correct. I do not have any tattoos right now. Perhaps I would get a tattoo in dedication to X Japan.

That would be great as I perceive that the band has been such a huge part of your life for a long time. You live and breathe music. Do you have words of wisdom that you can share with fellow musicians that are taking steps forward to live out a similar path as yours?

Yes, that is right. I do live and breathe music. I came from a classical music background. There are fellow Rock musicians who say, “F**k that kind of music”, but that style of music can help. All music influences one another, no matter the genre. It is the same as learning how to speak English and having to learn the alphabet: it is all complimentary.

The competition within the music industry is super hard. If you are good, I don’t think that you can make it. If you are great, I don’t think that you can make it. You have to be f**king great.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Coachella

Yes. Also, the willingness to remain open-minded to learn at all times, no matter what “level” that you reach within your career, is important. Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?

First of all, we are so grateful that we are a part of Coachella: this is such an amazing festival. Also, I cannot thank our fans enough. You have all been so supportive and it is because of you that I am still here. It is because of you that we are still here. For those who are currently unaware of X Japan, please check out our band. We have an interesting story and we create pretty good music!

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